SEC Recruiting Rewind: LSU out in front for 5-star DT

The aim of SEC Country’s SEC Recruiting Rewind is to bring you pertinent recruiting news across the conference. We’ll get you caught up to speed with the latest on commitments and decommitments and everything in between.

Today’s need-to-know stories

1. No. 8 player in the country has LSU out in front

LSU is out in front for one of the top uncommitted prospects in the country.

Shavar Manuel, the No. 8 player overall in 2016, confirmed to SEC Country on Friday that the Tigers are now his sole leader. The news comes on the heels of his official visit to LSU on Oct. 17.

“I was able to really bond with some of the coaches, players and students as well,” Manuel said of his official visit. “They rolled the red carpet out for me. It was a fun trip.”

The 5-star defensive tackle from IMG Academy credits his relationship with LSU’s coaching staff, particularly defensive line coach Ed Orgeron, for the Tigers’ recent surge in his recruitment.

2. Several SEC schools in the mix for an official visit for Rashan Gary, the No. 1 player in 2016

The nation’s No. 1 overall prospect spoke with reporters following Paramus Catholic’s 28-20 loss to IMG Academy on Friday and provided an indication of where he’ll be taking his remaining three official visits.

As it stands, 5-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary said Ole Miss, UGA, LSU, Clemson, Alabama, Notre Dame and USC are all possible contenders for his remaining allotted trips. Gary has already taken an official visit to Michigan (Sept. 25) and is scheduled to take another to Auburn on Nov. 28.

“I’m trying to knock out my officials and from there I’ll know who is ahead,” Gary told reporters.

Prior to Eason’s game on Friday, the 5-star quarterback received a visit from Schottenheimer at his home. Of course, the visit is allowed given that Eason has already signed his financial aid agreement.

Per Eason’s father, Tony, the two kicked it off.

“I think their personalities are really alike,” he told SEC Country. “I think he’s going to be hard on him and teach him a lot, but I think they have a really good chance of being lifelong friends when it’s all said and done.”

Eason went on to throw for five touchdowns and 243 yards in Lake Stevens’ (Wash.) rout of Kamiak High School.

4. SEC Country’s Recruits of the Week

This week’s offensive and defensive honors go to Najee Harris (Antioch, Calif.) and David Marshall (Thomaston, Ga.). Harris, an Alabama commit and 5-star running back, posted 360 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Marshall, a former Auburn commit, recorded 10 tackles and four sacks. Check out these other notable performers on offense and defense from the weekend.

5. Former Alabama commit flips to Ole Miss

Ole Miss stole away one of Alabama’s top commits as the Crimson Tide battled Tennessee at home.